1996 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2002 Porsche Boxster is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,685 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Porsche Boxster (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Porsche Boxster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Porsche Boxster (265 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2002 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Honda | Porsche |
| Model | Civic | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2360 mm |
